Family Picture Ideas
There’s nothing quite like the special memories created when your family gathers, and we know just how much work goes into getting everyone in the same frame! 👨👩👧👧 Family photo sessions freeze your people in this season of life, creating tangible memories that are sure to last forever. We’re here to share our best family picture ideas to make sure they are captured.
Here at Flytographer we easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over four million memories worldwide! 🌎 The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive this season forever. Today, we asked our local photographers to share some of their best large family picture ideas (along with outfit recommendations)— let us be your guide to finding a perfect family photographer… and figuring out what to wear! 💁♀️
TLDR
Photo: Marta in Krakow for Flytographer. Meagan and family capture memories in the Main Square of Krakow on a family photoshoot.
1. Capture Candid Moments
Group photos with everyone in the frame are priceless, and having a professional photographer there to capture moments also means capturing your beautiful family candidly. Laughter, cuddles, tickles, and more… these family picture ideas of your loved ones loving each other are irreplaceable. 🤗
Outfit idea: Try to choose a few basic, classic colours that work well together and send samples via text or email to the family— this takes a lot of the stress out of getting everyone in the same shade, or into specific articles of clothing. Denim, linen, and cotton in shades of whites, creams, and even blues can be easy and complimentary. 👍
Photo: Julia in Laguna Beach for Flytographer. Erisa and family capture memories on the Main Beach in Laguna Beach on a family photoshoot.
2. Plan for Golden Hour Photos
Golden hour photos are always a natural way to give your family portraits a progressional, flattering, leveled-up look. Natural light photography is a focus here at Flytographer, and outdoor family photos are only highlighted by that stunning light only possible during the golden hour. 🌅
Outfit idea: For your outdoor family photoshoot during golden hour, what about stepping up the look by wearing sundresses 👗 and/or button downs 👕? Movement in clothing is flattering and comfortable, particularly if your golden hour photos involve a beautiful beach or mountain sunset backdrop.
Photo: Mariana in Tamarindo for Flytographer. Doortje and family capture memories on the Tamarindo Beach on a family photoshoot.
3. Cue a Group Hug
Although group photos might feel awkward to pose, nothing gets a group giggling 🤭 like leaning in for a group hug. Fun fact: group hugs are generally awkward to initially pull off, so that close-up contact among a group will surely create some awesome natural laughs, one of the more perfect family picture ideas for showing off your beautiful crew. (Bonus: cuddles from younger family members help them stay close and giggly!)
Outfit idea: Don’t forget that matching does not have to be the ultimate goal. Let everyone shine by welcoming personal touches— shoes, accessories, or other individual elements that let family members show off their unique style will help them feel more at ease in their skin, rocking their looks in front of the camera. 👏
Photo: Jeff in Sydney for Flytographer. Melissa and family capture memories on the Sydney Harbour Walk on a family photoshoot.
4. Plan a Whole Family Reunion
This tends to be a “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” 🤔 kind of scenario— whether a family reunion is planned first, or the need for a family photo is the initial thought coming to mind, make sure your large family gathering includes a family photoshoot! Photography ideas don’t have to be limited to formal family photo poses, and can take place during a fun activity, evening gathering, or more— don’t be afraid to get creative for family reunion photos.
Outfit idea: Your family’s outfits should not be a cause for concern! One outfit idea if you’ve planned a whole family reunion is to utilize a shirt or other item you may already have ordered as a takeaway from your reunion itself for some or all of your large family photos! 🫶
Photo: Natalie in Honolulu for Flytographer. Debbie and family capture memories at Ala Moana Beach Park on the South Shore of Oahu on a family photoshoot.
5. Spring Family Photo Ideas
Spring is an amazing time for family photos thanks to new life 🌱 in nature— blossoms, trees, and longer daylight hours will help accentuate the beauty of your already lovely family. Family picture ideas inspired by the newness in your surroundings feel fresh and beautiful.
Outfit idea: Although we try not to say “don’t” ✋ when it comes to outfit ideas, one thing we recommend avoiding if possible are clothing with labels, logos, or large words. Simple fabrics and basic articles of clothing will help your eyes focus on the individuals, and the awesome scenery behind your pretty people!
Photo: Madison in Jackson Hole for Flytographer. Jessica and family capture memories at Outer Road Park Beach in Jackson Hole on a family photoshoot.
6. Summer Family Photo Ideas
The best thing about summer family photos is there’s a good chance you’re already planning a reason to be together in the summertime, since most families plan travel ✈️ during the summer months. When brainstorming family picture ideas, consider taking advantage of these natural gatherings by scheduling a professional photographer at your destination, or simply designating someone as the official photographer for candid shots during family activities. The relaxed atmosphere of summer vacations often leads to more genuine smiles and authentic interactions, creating memorable photos that truly capture your family’s personality.
Outfit idea: Get outfit inspiration from your locale! Whether you’re traveling to Europe, Asia, Jackson Hole, the tropics, or more, take cues from the local culture that will highlight your specific region. 👘
Photo: Francesca V. in Rome for Flytographer. Carolyn and family capture memories at The Roman Forum on a family photoshoot.
7. Fall Family Photo Ideas
Fall is prime family photo season, and for good reason! The fall foliage and changing seasons 🍁 make for some of the very best family photos. September or October are the best months to plan your fall family photos.
Outfit idea: Lean into warm and earthy fall shades for your family. Sweaters, knits, plaids, and layers are great for crispy air and frolicking in falling leaves! 🍂
Photo: Kari in New York City for Flytographer. Phyllis and family capture memories at Central Park in NYC on a family photoshoot.
8. Winter Family Photo Ideas
Wintertime is likely not at the top of your list of seasons for family picture ideas, but don’t let chilly weather dissuade you! Oftentimes colour palates in the winter show-off in blues and muted grays, which can show off city backgrounds 🏙 and highlight architecture and/or snowy landscapes. Hot tip: plan on incorporating hot drinks (coffee and cocoa!) towards the end or after your shoot as a toasty motivator! ☕️
Outfit idea: Cozy up! Embrace cold-weather accessories like hats, scarves, and gloves. 🧤 Winter is also a fantastic time to add pops of colour to your family’s attire, sure to break up any monotony amongst the group! 🧣
Photo: Olga in Paris for Flytographer. Margaret and family capture memories at the Bir-Hakeim Bridge in Paris on a family photoshoot.
9. Holiday Card Poses
Holiday and Christmas cards 💌 are the absolute best excuse to make family photos an annual tradition— no matter what time of year you schedule pictures, plan to use a photo or two (or three!) on your family Christmas cards!
Outfit idea: Keep in mind you don’t have to look a certain way for your holiday cards, but keep your family’s outfits in mind going into your photo session to make sure the clothes aren’t going to drive you crazy should they not match the vibe you may be going for; whether you aim for a candid or posed pic, dressing with holiday cards 🎄 in mind can be really fun.
Photo: Madison in Jackson Hole for Flytographer. Lisa and family capture memories at Outer Park Road in Jackson Hole on a family photoshoot.
10. Think Through Combinations
Prior to your photoshoot, take note of the combinations of photos you’d like captured 👨👧👦 when you get your photos back— from young children (solo & together), to groups of family members (mom & kids, dad & kids), grouping genders (boys together, girls together), even headshots for mom and dad! Your photographer can help with posing ideas, but if you have specific photo wishes for images you’d like to share on social media or hang on your walls, jot those down in your phone notes so you can review with your photographer at the start of your shoot.
Outfit idea: Particularly if kids are involved, make sure clothes, fabrics, and shoes allow for movement and won’t leave you stressing over messes. Bossiness and uptight demands from parents on photoshoots are stressful and distracting 🙅♀️, so try and choose clothing that isn’t fussy— we promise the results will be worth it! Dry clean only fabrics, or kid shirts that need to stay tucked in aren’t realistic and will be more hassle than handsome… trust us!
Photo: Ellie in Florence for Flytographer. Sarah and family capture memories in the Oltrarno Neighbourhood in Florence on a family photoshoot.
FAQs
What are the best colours to wear in family pictures?
We always recommend classic colours for timeless photos— start with neutrals that feel accessible and practical for everyone, young, old, and every age in between.
What’s best to wear for a family photo shoot?
“Comfort” can mean a lot of things for different people, but generally speaking, the more comfortable family members feel, the more that ease will be translated in your family photos. Items you already own make some of the best things to wear for your family photo shoot!
How do you pose for family pictures?
Scroll Pinterest or look at photos you love that resonate or speak to you personally and remember you’re hiring a pro! Share your thoughts (and even inspo pics) with your photographer prior to or at the start of your shoot, then relax and embrace the process!
Should you wear black in family photos?
Black can be a great colour for family photos, but take into consideration your background, the season, and the number of family members. Black can lean glamorous, and it can also lean depressing, so try to break up the monochromatic chicness of black with other neutrals and even pops of colour!
Photo: Lauren in Maui for Flytographer. Tatiana and family capture memories at Po’olenalena Beach on the South Shore of Maui on a family photoshoot.
Capturing the whole family
There’s nothing we love more than helping you capture memories with those you love and making the process easy and enjoyable— here at Flytographer we love capturing families— your whole family! 🙌
We can’t wait to see you all soon! 📸
35,000+ 5 Star reviews from across the globe!
“Elana did a great job taking photos of our extended family while on vacation. She was attentive to our needs and desired photos and took our high-energy crew (three young boys) in stride. We are so happy with how our photos turned out!”
Katherine
Shipwreck Beach
“We had the pleasure of working with Emily for family photos during our vacation in London, and she was absolutely amazing! From the moment we met her, she was warm, friendly, and so easy to work with. She made us all feel comfortable and relaxed, which made the whole experience fun and enjoyable. Her attention to detail was impeccable, and she really captured the essence of our family in every shot. We couldn’t be happier with the photos! We highly recommend Emily—she’s a true professional, and we’ll treasure these memories forever!”
Lindsey
Tower Bridge
“Sara was absolutely amazing! She worked with our whole family and grandparents and every picture was perfect! She was all about listening to music, playing games and making the best of the photoshoot. We will use her again in the future 100 percent!”
Lindsay
Po’olenalena Beach (South Shore)
